The Chicago Cubs are suddenly facing a much bigger problem than simply losing a few games. Milwaukee completed a three-game sweep of Chicago with an 8–6 victory Thursday, sending the Cubs to their fourth consecutive loss and widening the Brewers’ National League Central advantage to a staggering 10 games. Chicago is now 81–66, while Milwaukee has surged to 91–56, leaving the Cubs with precious little room for error as the regular season enters its final stretch.
The latest defeat was particularly frustrating because Chicago showed signs of life offensively before ultimately falling short. The Cubs trailed heavily early, but they refused to completely disappear from the game and mounted a late rally. Michael Conforto delivered a two-run double in the ninth inning, helping Chicago cut into Milwaukee’s advantage, but the comeback ended when B.J. Murray Jr. struck out. The Cubs had opportunities to make the game even more uncomfortable for the Brewers, but Milwaukee’s early cushion proved too large to overcome.
The biggest problem, however, was the performance on the mound. Kevin Gausman struggled badly, surrendering seven runs, six earned, over only four innings. That came after Gausman had recently looked like one of the Cubs’ more dependable starters, making the setback particularly damaging. Chicago needs quality innings from its rotation as the playoff race tightens, and performances like this put additional pressure on a bullpen that has already been inconsistent throughout the season.
That bullpen issue has become one of the most uncomfortable storylines surrounding the Cubs. Chicago has repeatedly watched promising games slip away late, and Tuesday’s 4–3 extra-inning loss to Milwaukee provided another painful example. The Cubs had taken a 3–1 lead in the ninth inning, only for Jackson Chourio to crush a game-tying two-run homer before Luis Lara delivered the winning single in the 10th. Carson Kelly had given Chicago the lead with a two-run pinch-hit double, but the Cubs could not protect it.
The collapse against Milwaukee has intensified questions about whether Chicago did enough to strengthen its late-inning pitching. The Cubs’ bullpen has shown flashes of reliability, but its inconsistency has repeatedly exposed the team in close games. That is especially concerning because Chicago cannot afford to waste strong offensive performances or quality starts during the final weeks of the season. The Cubs are still within reach of the postseason picture, but every additional loss increases the pressure on the players and coaching staff.
One player who continues to give Cubs fans a reason for optimism is Pete Crow-Armstrong. The young center fielder has been one of the biggest offensive stories in Chicago this season and recently became only the second left-handed hitter in Cubs history to reach 40 home runs in a season, joining Billy Williams. Crow-Armstrong had already established himself as one of the most dangerous young players in baseball, and his combination of power and elite defense has made him a central piece of Chicago’s future.
Crow-Armstrong’s power has been especially remarkable because it has transformed the way opposing teams approach him. Earlier in the season, his speed and defense were considered his defining traits, but the home-run explosion has added another dimension to his game. He recently hit his 39th homer against Milwaukee and had already been named the National League Player of the Month for August. His 40-homer milestone now gives Chicago something significant to celebrate even during a difficult stretch.
Chicago has also received encouraging contributions from other parts of the lineup. Michael Conforto’s 200th Cubs home run of the season recently helped the team defeat Miami, while Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner have continued to provide important offensive production. The Cubs reached the 200-homer mark as a team before any other club in MLB, demonstrating that the offense has generally been capable of carrying the team. The bigger question is whether the pitching staff can consistently match that production.
There is also an intriguing development taking place in the minor leagues. Edward Cabrera is working his way back through a rehab assignment, and his latest outing offered Cubs fans an encouraging glimpse of his potential. Cabrera threw two innings for Iowa, allowing one run while displaying considerable velocity, with his fastball reportedly reaching 100 mph. If he can continue progressing without another setback, his return could give Chicago another potential option for the pitching staff.
Still, the Cubs cannot afford to think only about individual positives. The Brewers have created a massive division gap, and Chicago now has to focus heavily on the Wild Card picture while attempting to stop its current slide. At 81–66, the Cubs have enough wins to remain relevant, but their recent form is becoming a serious concern. A team that was once fighting to stay close to Milwaukee now finds itself 10 games behind the division leader after the sweep.
The immediate challenge is therefore clear: Chicago must stop the bleeding before the schedule becomes even more unforgiving. The Cubs cannot continue losing close games, allowing late-inning leads to disappear and expecting the offense to rescue them every night. Crow-Armstrong’s historic season is a major positive, but one superstar cannot solve every weakness on a roster trying to reach October.
For Cubs fans, the next stretch could ultimately determine how the 2026 season is remembered. The team has enough offensive firepower to make noise, and young stars such as Crow-Armstrong provide legitimate reasons for optimism. But after four straight losses and a humiliating sweep by their biggest division rival, the Cubs now need an immediate response. If they cannot find one, their postseason hopes could become much more complicated very quickly.
Leave a Reply